Bloody Confused by Chuck Culpepper
Sometimes you just need a change. This was certainly the case for American sportswriter Chuck Culpepper, who was sick and tired of covering the usual sport suspects: MLB, NFL, NBA, and even the Kentucky Derby. Super Bowls no longer brought him the joy they once had; everything here in the States had lost its luster.
So an intense curiosity was born, a curiosity for English football. Culpepper dropped everything and went to England to see one of the wonders of the world, the English Premier League. This text becomes a story of a professional writer turned fan who completely immersed himself in the England’s game. He began to follow teams all across the country with a particular curiosity towards those threatened by relegation. Culpepper eventually chose the upstart Portsmouth franchise that was beginning their ascent up the table. He would travel to small town and large cities and see the smallest clubs and the giants of the game. He describes his journeys with depth, insight, and thoughtful discussion.
He became a fan of not only Portsmouth, but of its players and fans. It became quite obvious that the life of a English soccer fan was full of ups and downs, highs and lows. The joys of promotion were just as great as the fear of relegation. Both ideas are unheard of in American sports, but would clearly add some excitement. Could you imagine the lowly Detroit Lions or the Cleveland Browns playing to survive in the NFL? Or the New York Knicks clawing their way out of the cellar just to play another season in the NBA? Crazy stuff indeed, but exciting nonetheless.
That life Culpepper shared with the English was a beautiful one, but as his final words state: “I think it is hard being a fan”. His short time in England was a time of discovery and redemption in some ways, but a challenging journey that left a lot to learn about the English game. It is definitely hard to be a fan, especially a new one.
Outcasts United by Warren St. John
What would motivate a reporter from The New York Times to write a book about a youth soccer team? An amazing story that is a modern day depiction of “The American Dream”. This is not your standard Horatio Alger story, but a text created from a patchwork of narratives from around the world. The stories are told by refugee children and their families. These children from are brought together by one simple thing: their love for soccer. Soccer became the universal voice for the players on the Fugees.
Amazing stories of survival are combined with a women that was on a mission to make a difference in the world. This dedication led to a “family of 120” as Luma Mufleh became a coach, mentor, teacher, and social worker to the many refugee families in Clarkston, Georgia. The community would take time to accept the new arrivals and it wasn’t an easy journey to say the least. Eventually one person’s dream to build a team morphed into a year-round organization.
Helping her players became her sole purpose in life as she devoted every waking moment to helping them succeed in life. There were obstacles along the way and a lot of struggles, but the end result was an inspiring story about overcoming adversity and beating the odds. Where else could you see children from Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Liberia play as one on the pitch? Simply said the book is amazing and brilliant, a true work of art.
Brilliant Orange by David Winner
No writer has tackled the topic of Dutch soccer with the vigor and enthusiasm of David Winner. Most graze the surface, but Winner went through a period of immersion into Dutch culture. He discusses every aspect of Dutch soccer from unlikely perspectives: art, history, politics, and even architecture. It gives us generous insight into the game that has been admired for generations.
The book is an intense read that brings you into the background of “Total Football,” the style of play that has become a staple and trademark for the Dutch. The author takes the reader into the legendary careers of Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Rinus Michels, and the one and only Johan Cruyff. Many wonder how a small country could produce such greatness in the world’s game.
Winner chronicles the roller coaster ride of Holland’s favorite pastime with all of the highs and lows. You will hear about triumph and despair, victory and defeat. Many tears have been shed during Holland’s play in major tournaments. Winner is able to explain why the Dutch have failed to gain much hardware in the elusive Euros or the illustrious World Cup.
All of this is done through a wide lens of culture, society, and sport. Winner is able to peel away the enigmatic status of the Dutch game and break down their style in an enchanting manner.
This title is incredibly thorough and detailed. Winner’s passion for the game comes through loud and clear. Most of all anyone could get value from this book as it tells the story of a great society that just happens to be a master of soccer. Any hardcore soccer fan would find this a welcome addition to the discussion of our treasured game.
